Other actors in electrification of remote off-grid communities

There are various organisations that do similar work to SIBAT in providing energy systems for electrification of remote off-grid communities.

As part of a corporate social responsiblity (CSR) program some large IPPs work in this area. For example the Philippines National Oil Corporation (PNOC) has provided some communities with solar panels. The community pays a 'soft' fee for the electricity generated that covers maintenance costs of batteries and electrical applications. The scheme is limited to a number of communities.

Another commercial organisation, Solar Electric, specialises in renewable energy generation. As well as private ventures, Solar Electric works in partnership with international aid donor organisations (such as USAID) to implement renewable energy systems. Solar Electric have installed a large number of solar systems (and some micro-hydro and small wind) in the Philippines, although their cost per kW of installed capacity is very high compared to SIBAT.

The Department of Energy are attempting to push through a Renewable Energy Bill that will encourage private investment into RE systems. If passed, the RE Bill will allow electricity generating communities that are linked to the grid to sell excess electricity generated back to the grid, and provide a useful income. It is unlikely however that the incentives will make investment into many small remote communities profitable.

The Department of Agriculture has installed a number of solar systems at no cost to the community. Communities have not been required to pay for the electricity generated so no funds are readily available when maintainence is necessary and the systems often stop operating.

SIBAT has a good track record of successful projects that have a long operational lifetime. The key to this success is close collaboration with the community throughout the lifetime of the project. The community helps design the system, and maintain and own it when it is operational. A problem SIBAT faces is the limited number of projects it can undertake. Funding for each project has to be obtained from donor organisations, requiring a large amount of administration effort. Funding rarely covers improving the available facilities or investing in more staff.

There is only one other NGO (YAMOG) working on renewable energy systems in the Philippines but they mainly do work in a different region (Mindanao).